Grammy-winning gospel music star Fred Hammond headlines 2012 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The nine-city tour kicks off May 12 and runs through June 30. "Now more than ever, our nation's communities need messages of hope and encouragement," Hammond said. "My goal is to make sure everyone who attends a concert leaves feeling personally inspired and motivated to serve their community." (PRNewsFoto/McDonald's)

OAK BROOK, Ill., May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's USA today announced multi-award winning gospel artist Fred Hammond will headline the 2012 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, an annual summer concert series the company pioneered as a way to bring positive, uplifting messages and entertainment to communities nationwide. The nine-city tour kicks off May 12 and runs through June 30, and will also feature special guest Byron Cage, 21:03, Canton Jones, J Moss, Myron Butler and VaShawn Mitchell.

"I look forward to being a part of the 2012 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour because it provides an ideal platform for sharing the hopeful messages of gospel music with audiences in diverse communities," said Hammond, a 30-year gospel music veteran and former McDonald's restaurant crew member. "Now more than ever, our nation's communities need messages of hope and encouragement. My goal is to make sure everyone who attends a concert leaves feeling personally inspired and motivated to serve their community."

Now in its sixth year, the 2012 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will stop in major markets, including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Washington, Md., Jackson, Newark and Philadelphia. Concerts are free of charge, with the exception of the May 12 show in Newark, which is part of McDonald's Gospelfest.

"McDonald's continues to invest in the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour because of our consumers' rich passion for gospel music," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "McDonald's is committed to being deeply rooted in the community and we're honored to bring joy and entertainment to our extended family – our customers."

Tour dates and locations include:

May 12 – Newark, McDonald's Gospelfest - Prudential Center

June 14 – Birmingham, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center

June 15 – Jackson, Jackson Convention Complex

June 16 – Dallas, Friendship West Baptist Church

June 21 – Philadelphia, Deliverance Evangelistic Church

June 22 – Detroit, Greater Grace Temple

June 23 – Chicago, Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 29 – Atlanta, Full Gospel Conference

June 30 – Ft. Washington, Md., Ebenezer AME Church

"The concerts will be full of energy," Hammond said. "There will be a range of music from my early days to my latest album. It's going to be one big praise party."

McDonald's launched Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour as an extension of its 365Black platform, which celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. The multi-city concert series also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. As a part of each show, concertgoers will have an opportunity to learn more about and support Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) and the important role it plays in helping families in their local communities. Consumers can visit http://www.365Black.com to learn more about the tour and for ticket information.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States offering a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (http://Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and menu items.